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When should I update my resume for a contract job if I am still doing interviews?

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Entry-Level Software Engineer at Taro Community8 months ago

Hi Tarodactyls. I finally landed a temporary job after getting laid off from Big Tech in April. It's a 6 month contract with a startup. I have some interviews lined up for permanent positions. I am not sure if I should tell the interviewers if I found a new job, but I am still looking for something more permanent. I haven't been there long enough yet to claim that I gained significant experience.

If I tell them, it might make me look like a job hopper. If I don't, I might lose the chance to end concerns about my long employment gap. Not sure on this one :/

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Discussion

(2 comments)
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    Team Lead (people manager) at Mistplay
    8 months ago

    My thought is that showing you are currently employed is a major strength. Also, anyone in tech will understand layoffs right now and the need to pay bills with something temporary makes sense. I see that this would look like job hopping on paper, perhaps, but talking with you in the interview it will be clarified with the explanation. I also don’t think you have to worry about getting interviews with big tech already on your resume. 2-5 years from now you could also drop the contract work from your resume if you want.

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    Tech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
    8 months ago

    I'm leaning toward putting the 6 month contracting gig on your resume. Your goal is to increase your chances of contact with a human, either hiring manager or recruiter. IMO, having a current job on your resume will increase your chances the most.

    Once you're on the call, you can explain the situation (although I'm not sure you want to reveal that you're in a short-term contracting gig..)